buying a new flash for wedding photography

Hello-
I recently interviewed for a job as a second shooter for a wedding photographer. It went pretty well, and he seems really interested in my work, but says that if I want to shoot weddings with him, I need a ttl flash. I've never been one for on-camera flashes but I do realize the necessity for one in this situation. Any suggestions for a good ttl flash to go with my Canon 30D.

And then, any pointers on using them (e.g: common mistakes that amateurs make when starting with them)?
:confused: :mad2: :blush2: :idea: (these are just fun)

Thanks in advance!

If you are wanting a hot-shoe flash then purchase the best you can truly afford. Certainly consider the flash units made for the camera such as the Canon Speedlite 580EX II flash.

If you are going to be shooting 'candids' with this the best set of accessories for any camera is a flash bracket ( Stroboframe or similar). This gets the flash further away from the center of the frame, aids in preventing red-eye, adds angle to the flash to cast a slight shadow to give depth and avoid those flat photos. You will then also need an off-camera eTTL cord.

Several sets of rechargeable batteries (and a fast charger), a flash diffuser or two (can make your own for the cost of a piece of white cardboard of plastic) even consider a strobo sock.

There are also various off-camera flashes such as those made by Metz(who also makes on camera/hot shoe units) that are often called potato mashers. Lots of power, remote battery packs, bigger price tags and more pieces, such as eTTL modules to interface them to your camera. These last a long time and are good investment for certain styles of photography.

If you need a setup for larger strobes (softboxes, umbrellas, stands, etc) then I'd suggest you search through the Studio and Lighting forum and perhaps ask questions there too.

Best wishes !

drg has given you some great advice but would add one point. You can get a a Canon compact battery pack (CP-E4) that utilizes eight AA alkaline or NI-MH batteries and will plug into the 580EX ll. This will give you alot more flashes out of the pack before having to replace batteries I believe it can easily attach to your belt like a cell phone and the cord just runs up into the flash unit. Also some other aftermarket manufacturers that make these type packs for Canon flashes.

I have to agree with the advise that you have been given so far. I would however advise that if you are truly serious about this, then take a look at the Custom Bracket. They are expensive, but the best I have ever seen or used. This was my final choice.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...acket_Kit.html

It is not for everyone, but if this is where you want to go with your photography then you will never have equipment worries with this bracket.

With wedding photography, it's easy to go overboard with equipment. Whenever I have shot one, I always went with too much stuff, when a smaller rig would have been fine. It depends on the assignment, of course. As a second shooter, you may have a very specific role that has limited equipment needs. Example, you might be there to shoot candids. If so, go with a high quality zoom, like the 24-70 2.8 and shoot without flash whenever possible. Better to go with a higher ISO that use a flash for candids, IMO, as with flash the picture is no longer "candid."

In any event, the zoom is essential for on the fly framing, from small group to close up shots of individuals. If you use a flash, make sure it's small and quick to recycle. A 430EX is perfectly adequate, as A) you will be close in, and B) you will use it sparingly.

The only exception to this is if you are shooting in a dark room at a reception where the light is awful. Then the 580EX with bracket and battery pack is the way to go. I have the 550EX and battery pack and it will blast away all night, no problem. Put fresh batteries in the battery pack before every shoot. No need to be stingy with the batteries!